Arlechin, Mornane Pl, Melbourne VIC
@arlechinmelbourne
Melbourne hospo family, the Grossis, known for Grossi Florentino, Grill, Ombra, Cellar Bar, and Puttanesca, has reopened its European cocktail and wine bar, Arlechin. This venue is poised to once again become a favourite late-night spot for Melburnians.
Nestled in Mornane Place in Melbourne’s CBD, Arlechin is marked by a small logo at its entrance. The intimate 40-seat space exudes Italian flair through its updated food and drink menus. Arlechin’s atmosphere is reminiscent of an old European wine cellar, featuring a central curved cork roof that enhances its subterranean charm. This inviting setting encourages guests to immerse themselves in its intimate ambience.
The cocktail menu has been curated by Bar Venue Manager Russell Branford, formerly of Lakehouse Daylesford. He has collaborated closely with the Grossi family to create a menu that reflects his deep industry knowledge and commitment to delivering an unparalleled cocktail experience. All cocktails at Arlechin are crafted using premium ingredients and in-house infusion techniques.
Russell emphasizes, “For me, it’s all about the science and special processes that enhance a cocktail’s appearance and texture while preserving its flavour profile. For example, we make olio di pomodoro [tomato oil] in-house for our Puttanesca Martinez by semi-dehydrating tomatoes until they have a leather texture, then blending them with heat and straining the juice to create a beautiful aromatic flavour.”
Signature cocktails include the Puttanesca Martinez, priced at $24, which is inspired by a mural outside Arlechin and reinterprets the classic pasta sauce. Another highlight is A Little Bit of Fancy, costing $29, a playful twist on the classic champagne cocktail featuring a Campari-soaked sugar cube that creates a fizzing spectacle when dropped in tableside. The Gabriel, available for $23, is a highball crafted with high ester rum and housemade strawberry shrub, offering a blend of funky, sweet, and sour flavours topped with soda. Midnight Gold, priced at $25, is made with saffron-infused gin, mandarin liqueur, and a splash of lemon, topped with luxurious liquid meringue and strawberry crumb. In addition to these signatures, the bar offers “zhuzhed up” classics, such as a barrel-aged Grossi Negroni, Bellini, and Paloma. The team is also ready to make almost any classic off the menu upon request.
Russell notes, “What I love most about hospitality is the unique way we bond with our team and the special interactions we have with our guests. There aren’t many things better than going out, having a good time, and feeling as though you are truly looked after.”
The food menu, designed to complement the drinks, draws on Grossi’s Italian roots and reflects Arlechin’s intimate ambience and unmistakable Italian charm. Guests can enjoy dishes like Salumi with Giardineria (pickled vegetables) for $28, or Cozze Scapece, Italian steamed mussels with nduja, priced at $26. Another option is Whipped Baccala (salted cod) with pickled red onions served on a crumpet, also for $26. For a heartier bite, there are Bolognese Jaffles available at $16, and Grossi’s famous Midnight Spaghetti for $24. Mugellani, which are ravioli filled with potato, pecorino, and hazelnuts, can be enjoyed for $28, while the Classic Carbonara is offered at $24. For dessert, guests can opt for Crema Fritta or the classic Tiramisu, both priced at $15.
Guy Grossi comments, “The beauty of Arlechin is its location and offering. If you’re dining at one of our sibling restaurants and looking for a nightcap, it’s just a short walk around the corner. If you’re after a pre-dinner snack, there are smaller share plates. But if you want to stay put, we have substantial dinner options too. Our menu embraces Italian simplicity and sophistication while complementing the drinks list.”
Arlechin also doubles as a wine storage space for its fine-dining sibling, Grossi Florentino. This connection provides guests access to an impressive wine list featuring bottles from Italy, France, and Australia, predominantly sourced from boutique producers.
Promising an unforgettable experience that celebrates the art of hospitality in all forms,
Guy Grossi adds, “Arlechin is a place where people can enjoy the simple pleasures of dining with great drinks, food, service, and company. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests and new faces to Arlechin
once again.”
Arlechin is open Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 1 am.